Generally speaking, when we discuss the European Union, we think of it as a whole made up of its member states. The significance of member states is indeed essential, but in addition to this, the role of cities in the Union’s overall operations is particularly important. The City of Tampere is a strong part of various European networks, for example, conveys information to actors in our region, and promotes the city’s visibility at the EU level.
Regional development is an established part of the Union’s activities. The Union seeks to even out imbalances between regions through active policy. Did you know that, for example, the European Regional Development Fund strengthens economic and social cohesion by distributing funding to regions for purposes such as innovation, SMEs, and achieving low-carbon economy goals?
From a young person’s perspective, our region’s educational institutions and university collaborate with EU actors. For example, since 2014, higher education institutions in Pirkanmaa have received 58.9 million euros in funding from the Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation fund. If you are a student at Tampere University, the European track of Tampere Lyseo upper secondary school, or Kangasala upper secondary school, it’s also worth checking out the EU office’s internship opportunities here. Our higher education community also offers exchange opportunities to European students through the Union’s Erasmus+ programme.
Various local and regional actors and projects therefore benefit from the EU not only indirectly, through things like the common currency and free movement, but also directly, through direct financial support. Obtaining project funding for Tampere is actively promoted, for example, by our joint advocate in Brussels – the Tampere and Pirkanmaa EU Office. The EU Office operates broadly within various networks, building relationships with local actors and EU institutions.
In addition, Tampere and Pirkanmaa are, for example, bidding to become European Capital of Culture 2026. The European Capital of Culture bid is about an opportunity intended to promote cities’ standing as centres of cultural life. The next Finnish city will be chosen in 2026, and Tampere and Pirkanmaa want to promote the wellbeing of our residents and, especially in the long term, boost our vitality. In addition, Tampere and Pirkanmaa, together with our EU Office, have done long-term work on the main railway line project, for example, which you can read more about here.
Alongside projects and advocacy, Tampere and Pirkanmaa are a solid part of various networks. Worth mentioning are, for example, the European Regions Research and Innovation Network (ERRIN), EUROCITIES, and the Vanguard Initiative. Through these networks, our region gets first-hand information on various cooperation opportunities, the promotion of best practices, and learning about new platforms.
In addition to the EU Office’s activities, the city has its own international relations team, which prepares the direction of international activities and monitors its implementation. The City of Tampere has presented its network activities in more detail in separate articles, which you can explore here:
The city is actively involved in international networks
Tampere more strongly involved than ever in sustainable development networks
Thanks to cultural networks, Tampere has secured international exhibitions
Tampere’s wellbeing and education services attract interest from international networks
People from Tampere share and learn in international vitality networks
Smart networks refine the best international ideas for Tampere’s benefit
As in national politics, important decisions and policy measures affecting residents are made above all at the local and regional level. For this reason, it is particularly important that cities, too, are represented at the Union level. Tampere and Pirkanmaa’s international interaction towards the Union opens up, above all, new opportunities, new innovations, new platforms for action, and pathways for development. The EU also brings people together at the local and regional level – and this is something we at JEF Tampere also work towards. The future is Europe!
Text: Neea Loimuvirta
The author studies administrative science at Tampere University, completed an internship at the Tampere and Pirkanmaa EU Office, and is JEF Tampere’s second Vice President and EU affairs officer for 2020. The author also loves sparkling wine and cats.